The new denim

Denim is being celebrated this season as if it’s a whole new invention.

Designers have embraced it for every possible use. Going to a baby shower? There’s a lovely denim dress you could wear. Are you sick of skinny jeans? Denim comes to the rescue in new styles, shades, lengths, and widths. Going to a gala? Denim even found its way into the category of dressy evening wear. (Yes, you can wear a gown made completely made out of denim.)

What’s new in denim?

Denim jackets have been reworked and repurposed. Designers sent models down the runway wearing denim jackets over fancy skirts and dresses. Over the years we’ve seen more and more mixing of high and low fashion and casual items mixed in with fancy ones. Is this a brand new concept? No, but it could be one you’d like to embrace this year. A denim jacket could be a versatile, essential addition to your wardrobe.

hellofashionblog.com via Pinterest

Distressed jeans are everywhere right now. They’re are meant to look as if you’ve beaten them up through years of heavy use. You can pay a hefty price for designer jeans that will be leaving lots of skin showing through.

By the way, you can wear this kind of jeans whatever your age. I’m going to! There are some with less shredding than others and those might be right for you. They totally look fresh and modern; consider wearing them with a jacket and a crisp white shirt and mules for a pulled-together and very current look.

The same is true for jeans with frayed edges or embellishment, two big trends this year. The more embellishment, the more attention-getting they are.

(If you’re a talented seamstress, you could even buy a few patches to sew on a pair of jeans you already own!)

A wide-leg jean is the newest look. This jean will come up to your waist and have very exaggerated volume from the waist on down. This style may take some getting used to, but it may prove to be one of the most flattering and versatile styles right now.

Cropped, wide, and frayed; whowhatwear.com via Pinterest

To style it, you can stick with that idea of volume and wear a loose knit sweater with it. Or you can tuck in a frilly blouse and wear ballet flats.

(Ketura Persellin is an image consultant and personal stylist in Washington, DC, and surrounding suburbs. Please contact her for a complimentary get-acquainted session.)